One of Scotland's busiest airports is set for a summer of travel chaos after workers rejected a 'derisory' pay offer. Holidaymakers flying from Glasgow Airport could face extreme delays as security staff up the stakes in their pay battle, a union has warned.
Around 250 workers who are employed by ICTS at Glasgow Airport have rejected what Unite described as a "derisory" 5 per cent pay offer. The union are encouraging ICTS to 'heed the warning' before the dispute escalates and leaves the airport unable to operate 'safely and efficiently'.
Pat McIlvogue, Unite regional industrial officer, said the offer "represents a massive pay cut in real-terms".
He added: "Unless the company improves upon its current offer, then Glasgow Airport faces a summer of travel chaos because it simply can't operate safely and efficiently without these essential workers. We are encouraging ICTS to heed the warning before this dispute escalates potentially to strike action."
Some 94 per cent of its members rejected the 5 per cent rise, Unite said. The union said it will have no option but to move towards an industrial ballot of its members if employers do not improve the offer.
The airport staff involved are central search workers who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights.
The workers also cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services at the airport, which sees more than 9.9 million passengers go through its doors every year.
An ICTS spokesman said: "Constructive pay talks with our staff at Glasgow Airport are ongoing. Generous pay proposals have been tabled that would give staff increases of between 14.0 per cent to 26.2 per cent over the past two years. We would like to reassure the travelling public that their security is our priority and there will be no disruptions."
Glasgow Airport have been approached for comment.
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